Meta

Tag: pastor

After an ultrasound, a CT scan, an MRI, and a visit with my doc and an orthopedic surgeon, I think I have the final picture:

Either an injury (possibly a ski fall last March), or arthritic damage, or both caused the formation of a Baker’ Cyst. This was the cause of some low-level achy pain I’ve felt for the last couple of months. A couple of weeks ago the cyst ruptured, causing extreme pain and swelling in my lower leg and foot. This pain lasted for a couple of days, but has gradually subsided. The MRI also revealed some minor knee damage. Surgery is not called for, but I have been fitted with a high-tech knee brace which will take the pressure off my knee. Now I can get back to my typical daily moving about (walking, activity, etc.) as my own tolerance allows — which is quite a bit–I’m feeling good.

I am sorry that the knee-brace does not come with a remote. I cannot cause my leg to walk by pushing a button.*

Dick

*Jessica would like to add: “I am highly disappointment that Pastor Dick’s knee brace doesn’t come with a remote control. Where’s the fun in that?”

This is the 75 word (max.) profile that went live on the ELCA website last week. Anyone can go to see what ministry opportunities are available nationwide. For pastors seeking a next call, this is the first point of contact.

Summary Description of our Congregation:

“Close to everything but far from ordinary,” we are a congregation seeking an inspired, and inspiring, leader who will work in collaboration with our staff and members to refresh our worship services, energize our church community and preach God’s message of salvation to all. Outstanding public schools and library, cultural, recreational, athletic and educational activities abound. Small town living within commuting distance to Rochester (Mayo Clinic), the Twin Cities, Red Wing, Faribault and Northfield.

“God’s love was revealed to us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (I John 4:9-10)

As I have been traveling around recently visiting our “homebound” members, I have been sharing with them in our devotions and communion time together the above words from First John. (Actually we have shared some of the surrounding text as well: I John 4:7-12, which is Scripture food for everyone. And I should also tell you that our members that I visit are so very grateful to be remembered by our congregation through visits, cards, flowers, calls, etc.).

But as we share this Scripture in our visits, I tell them that these 2 verses, in particular, could be called “the Gospel in a nutshell.” This is truly the “good news” of Jesus Christ in two tiny verses! These 2 verses tell us who God is and what God’s intention is toward us, why God sent Jesus, and who our Savior is. Whenever I read them, they give me joy, because I know that it is not through any work or action of my own that I have received acceptance and forgiveness from God, but only through God’s action in Jesus.

As I consider this in light of the upcoming call phase in URLC’s transition process, my hope is that God is even now preparing a pastor for you who also knows this, and that God will lead that person to you and you to them, and that you will remember that you already have a Savior in the person of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God.